Mt. Pleasant Teacher Honored By Knicks for Work With Autistic Students
Last Wednesday was quite a night for Virginia Campbell.
Campbell, a Mount Pleasant School District special education teacher, was honored at Madison Square Garden by the New York Knicks for her work with autistic children during the team’s Apr. 2 game against the Brooklyn Nets.
The Sweetwater Clifton City Spirit Award, recognizing Nat “Sweetwater Clifton,” the first African-American player for the Knicks, was presented to Campbell at center court by former Knicks star John Starks during a break in the game as part of the NBA’s Autism Awareness Night. The award recognizes individuals who have made a significant difference in the lives of others.
Each month a winner is chosen by members of the Knicks front office staff and honored at center court during one of their home games. A $2,000 donation in the honoree’s name is made to a charity of their choice.
Campbell, who has been teaching in Mount Pleasant for the past 15 years, said last week she learned about the honor via an e-mail when she was on a school field trip to Washington D.C.
“My real reward is working with these students every day,” said Campbell, a Tarrytown resident. “To me it’s an added bonus.”
Campbell started the district’s first special education program for autistic students at Columbus Elementary School a decade ago. Five years ago, she was transferred to Westlake Middle School where she created the communications development class.
Though her students are contained in special education classes, they are an important part of the school, Campbell said.
“There is no one who doesn’t know their names,” she said.
Helping autistic children reach their potential may be her livelihood but Campbell has been helping youngsters well before she became a teacher. At 12 years old she began volunteering at camps for youths with special needs.
Campbell has also worked with autistic youths between 18 months and 18 years old for various organizations such as the North East Westchester Special Recreation in Hawthorne and Autism Speaks.
